The puppy hidden in firewood who lived to 30

Name: The puppy hidden in firewood who lived to 30
Uploaded: 2023-02-06T19:55:17Z
Duration: 2 min 6 s
Description: Costa was eight years old when Bobi was born in a tiny village in central Portugal. Thirty years later, by Costa's count, the brown Portuguese guard dog was still right there with him.

Costa was eight years old when Bobi was born in a tiny village in central Portugal. Thirty years later, by Costa's count, the brown Portuguese guard dog was still right there with him. more

Bobi wasn't supposed to get those years. Costa's family had many animals and little money, and his father didn't keep newborn puppies. Bobi hid in a pile of firewood. A few days later Costa and the other kids in the family found him, and they kept him a secret until his eyes opened.

His breed usually lives about 12 to 14 years. Bobi went past that, then past it again, and at 30 he still went out on his walks. That, more than any number, is what amazed the people who saw him.

He looked good, too. His face still had some puppy left in it, and when something above him caught his eye, he sat up tall to look. Napping, he went so loose and fluffy he looked like a stuffed toy.

A brown dog with a white chest sits upright with his mouth slightly open, looking up toward a lamp above him. A headline runs in white letters across the lower third. — Even at 30, Bobi sat up tall when something caught his eye.

Costa had his own ideas about why. Bobi lived in the calm countryside, was never chained or kept on a leash, and always ate people food. His age did show. He was less adventurous, his eyesight had gotten worse and he needed more rest.

Most people lose their childhood dog long before they're grown. Costa grew up with his still beside him, and at 38 he could kneel on the floor, pet Bobi and smile at the same dog he had known since he was a boy.